Malbon Buckets Cup Tour
The Malbon Buckets Cup Tour is a new premiere competitive golf series blending elite-level competition with modern golf culture, creating a new proving ground for professional players, top amateurs, and culturally relevent competitors. More than a pro-am, the Buckets Cup is designed as a tour - competitive, inclusive, and built for a new generation of golfers. Each event awards cash prizes, Malbon merchandise, and season points are awarded at each event, counting towards Malbon Buckets Cup championship qualification.
How It Works
Join Buckets Club
Become a Buckets Club member to unlock access to tour events.
Your membership is required to register for any Buckets Cup stop.
Compete at Tour Stops
Play in up to nine GHIN-verified stroke play events at iconic courses.
Compete in Pro, Gross, or Net divisions based on your handicap.
Earn Points & Prizes
Win cash and merchandise at each stop.
Accumulate Bucket Points with top-10 finishes to climb the season standings.
Qualify for the Finale
Division winners auto-qualify.
Top point earners secure their spot in the 40-player Championship for the $100K purse.
PER-TOURNAMENT PURSE PRIZE
FAQ
How is the Malbon Buckets Cup different from Buckets Club tournaments?
Buckets Club tournaments are community-first events designed for fun, culture, and accessibility. The Malbon Buckets Cup is a competitive tour format GHIN-verified, stroke play, with qualification pathways, points, and a championship purse while still maintaining Malbon’s cultural DNA.
Is Buckets Club going away now that the Buckets Cup exists?
No. Buckets Club remains the foundation of the community. The Buckets Cup
is an evolution, a competitive pathway built on top of Buckets Club for members
who want to test their game on a national stage.
Do I need to be a Buckets Club member to play in the Buckets Cup?
Yes. Very similar to the Buckets Club tournaments, a membership allows
you access to play in the tournaments. Your membership ID will be requested to
purchase a registration space.
If you are a PGA Section Pro, you will be able to register without a membership
to compete in the pro class however, space will be limited to 1 pro per group
with 3 amateurs (or Buckets Club members)
Is the Buckets Cup only for elite or professional players?
No. The Buckets Cup is a Pro/Am tour with three divisions:
- Pros
- Gross Amateurs
- Net Amateurs
The format is designed to be competitive yet inclusive.
How do handicaps work in the Buckets Cup vs Buckets Club tournaments?
All Buckets Cup events are GHIN required and verified. Net scoring includes a 15 Net Cap, with ties broken by lower handicap index to ensure fair play.
Can I still play casually if I don’t care about qualifying?
The Malbon Buckets Cup is a competitive tour designed for players who want to compete, win money, and earn their place in the Championship. There will be separate opportunities through the brand to engage in a more relaxed, less competitive golf environment, however the Buckets Cup is designed within a competitive landscape.
How do players qualify for the Buckets Cup Championship?
At each tour stop, the top gross finisher and the top net finisher will automatically qualify, advancing toward a Championship field of approximately 40 players. Additional spots will be awarded based on cumulative points earned throughout the season.
At the conclusion of the season, players with the highest cumulative point totals in both the net and gross categories will earn an invitation to the Championship, subject to the final season-long playing format.
Is the Buckets Cup still about culture and community?
Absolutely. While competition is elevated, the Buckets Cup is still rooted in:
• Storytelling
• Fashion & style
• Music, media, and retail activations
• Community gatherings and experiences
This isn’t just a leaderboard it’s a cultural platform.
Will the event experience feel different than Buckets Club tournaments?
Yes—more elevated, but familiar. Expect:
• LED leaderboards
• Live-streamed featured holes
• Closing dinner and ceremonies
• Retail activations and exclusive drops
The experience is premium, immersive, and intentional.
How many Buckets Cup events are there each year?
The tour includes 10 U.S. stops, culminating in a Championship Finale, hosted on iconic courses across multiple states.
What kind of prizes are available in the Buckets Cup?
Across the season:
• $300k+ in total prizing
• $100k Championship purse
• Lexus, Malbon credits, and exclusive product
Will Buckets Club tournaments still be more relaxed than the Cup?
Yes. Buckets Club tournaments will continue to prioritize accessibility, fun formats, and social play. While the Buckets Cup is where competition tightens.
Why was the Buckets Cup created?
The Buckets Cup was built to create a clear competitive pathway for the next generation of golfers. Where culture meets real competition, and community connects to championship-level play.